With a devastating left hook, Nonito ‘Filipino Flash’ Donaire (40-5-0, 25KO) registered a new candidate entry to ‘Knockout of the Year’ by putting tourney-replacement Stephon ‘Showstopper’ Young (18-2-3, 7KO) away in the 6th round with that one punch.
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For someone who learned of the opportunity to enter the semi-finals, Stephon Young looked decent tonight and offered what he could, though it was evident early that he was a little outclassed. Donaire was very patient tonight, studying his opponent to get an understanding of what he brings to the table being that he didn’t have much time to look at him on film.
Donaire’s hands are evidently still fast, most notably the left hook and his right cross, so he carefully placed his punches to set up and take advantage of the southpaw slickster. Young had some moments with nice counters landed, but they were one at a time, and he didn’t have enough power to get Donaire’s respect. When the 6th round came, Donaire landed the killer left hook that short circuited Young and put him away immediately (PICTURED BELOW)
Young was down for a couple minutes, with a concerned Donaire checking in on him and his status, but Young appears to be okay.
As far as Donaire, with his victory, he advanced to the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) Tournament Finals to face either #1 Seeded Naoya Inoue of Japan, or #4 Seeded Emmanuel Rodriguez of Puerto Rico.
